What are the notes of drop D bass tuning?

From the thickest string to the thinnest: D1 (4th), A1 (3rd), D2 (2nd), G2 (1st). At A = 440 Hz that is D1 36.71 Hz, A1 55.00 Hz, D2 73.42 Hz, G2 98.00 Hz.

How do I tune to drop D bass tuning from standard?

Tune the 4th string down a whole step (2 frets), from E1 to D1. Leave the 3rd, 2nd and 1st strings as in standard bass tuning. Use the tuner above, set to drop D, or check by ear with the fret method on this page.

Can I use a chromatic tuner for drop D bass tuning?

Yes. A chromatic tuner reads any note, so aim each string at D A D G in turn. This tuner has a drop D preset, so it shows the target for each string and picks the nearest one for you.

Drop D Bass Tuning (D A D G) — Free Online Bass Tuner

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What drop D bass tuning is for

Drop D on bass lowers the E string a whole step to D1, the same move as drop D on guitar. It gives a four-string bass one extra low note, matches a guitarist playing in drop D, and makes the root and fifth of a D power chord playable on the two lowest open strings.

Press Start tuner above, allow the microphone and play one open string at a time. The tuner is already set to drop D, so in Auto mode it picks the nearest string and shows how many cents sharp or flat it is; switch to Manual to aim at one string. Bring each string up to the note from below, which helps it hold.

The strings: D A D G

Thickest string first, with the frequency at the standard A = 440 Hz. Each note opens the tuning drone on that pitch, for tuning by ear.

String	Note	Frequency	From standard
4th	D1	36.71 Hz	down a whole step (2 frets) from E1
3rd	A1	55.00 Hz	unchanged
2nd	D2	73.42 Hz	unchanged
1st	G2	98.00 Hz	unchanged

How to get there from standard tuning

Tune the 4th string down a whole step (2 frets), from E1 to D1.
Leave the 3rd, 2nd and 1st strings as in standard bass tuning.

Check it by ear

Once one string is right, each neighbouring string can be checked against it — the beating between the two notes slows and stops when they agree.

Press the 4th string (D1) at the 7th fret: it should match the open 3rd string (A1).
Press the 3rd string (A1) at the 5th fret: it should match the open 2nd string (D2).
Press the 2nd string (D2) at the 5th fret: it should match the open 1st string (G2).

Frequently asked questions

What are the notes of drop D bass tuning?: From the thickest string to the thinnest: D1 (4th), A1 (3rd), D2 (2nd), G2 (1st). At A = 440 Hz that is D1 36.71 Hz, A1 55.00 Hz, D2 73.42 Hz, G2 98.00 Hz.
How do I tune to drop D bass tuning from standard?: Tune the 4th string down a whole step (2 frets), from E1 to D1. Leave the 3rd, 2nd and 1st strings as in standard bass tuning. Use the tuner above, set to drop D, or check by ear with the fret method on this page.
Can I use a chromatic tuner for drop D bass tuning?: Yes. A chromatic tuner reads any note, so aim each string at D A D G in turn. This tuner has a drop D preset, so it shows the target for each string and picks the nearest one for you.